The Montana A Cappella Society was pleasantly surprised to get an invitation to an Italian choral festival next year. The trip to the Tuscany International Choral Festival in Montecatini Terme will include performances June 20-24 in the Tuscany region, in the vicinity of Florence and Pisa. The Bitterroot-based group was invited to Italy on the recommendation of organizers of the Cork, Ireland, International Choral Festival, where the Montana a cappella group made their first international appearance.

Director Don Matlock said the group of volunteer singers agreed to accept the invitation and are now busily fundraising to help with the travel expenses. The Sapphire Lutheran Home started things off with a scheduled Tuscan Inspired Dinner this Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Only a few seats remain at $40 each for the 4-course dinner and entertainment by the singing group. Call (406) 363-5778 for more information.